The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has successfully rescued eight children who were suspected to have been stolen from Kano State and trafficked to a private orphanage in Asaba, Delta State. The operation, carried out in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Police, and civil society groups, uncovered over 70 children, including 15 newborn babies, in the orphanage.
8 children were identified as victims of alleged child trafficking and reunited with their families in Kano State. The orphanage, run by a top executive member of the Association of Orphanage Operators in Nigeria, had over 70 children, raising concerns about the source of these children.
NAPTIP’s investigation revealed that the syndicate operated by luring children aged 2-10 from communities, schools, and public places, and then trafficking them to other parts of the country.
NAPTIP’s Director-General, Binta Adamu-Bello, expressed serious concern over the activities of some orphanages and care homes, which have become havens for stolen children.
“NAPTIP is seriously concerned about the activities of these so-called orphanages and care homes. Seventy children in one facility, and that number keeps growing daily, she said.
She also said the owner of the private opharnage have been avoiding investigation and spreading false news online about NAPTIP instead of cooperating .
We have told him to report to our Kano Zonal Command and cooperate with the investigation.
“The children have been handed over to the appropriate authorities in Kano State,”.
She urged State Ministries of Women Affairs to intensify oversight of orphanages and care homes across the country to prevent further cases of child trafficking.
